The Louisiana Coalition for Common Sense (LCCS) is a group of professional associations, companies and individuals committed to ensuring a fair legal climate for both truly impaired individuals and small and large businesses operating in the state.

Formed in 2008, the group has been successful in passing legislation to clarify the rules on expert witness testimony, which saves the courts both time and money. The need for additional civil justice reform continues.

The Tort Reform Record is published each June and December and includes a state-by-state summary of the American Tort Reform Association-supported reforms enacted by states since 1986. See the June 2018 report here.

“Unfortunately, it comes as no surprise that our legal climate ranked as the worst in the nation this year,” said LLAW Executive Director Melissa Landry. “Litigation is a growing industry in Louisiana. From problematic venue laws, to widespread judicial misconduct, a lack of transparency in asbestos litigation and trust claims, broad misuse of consumer protection laws, and the highest jury trial threshold in the nation—there are many troubling aspects of our legal system that contribute to the perception that it is difficult, if not impossible, for some to get a fair shake in our courts.”

“When it comes to abusive litigation and plaintiff-friendly judges, Louisiana has had a terrible reputation for decades, and it has only gotten worse in recent years,” said LCCS Director Jim Harris. “We cannot continue to ignore this problem and hope it goes away. Until the governor and state lawmakers tackle these issues head on and enact meaningful legal reform, we will continue to be pegged as a judicial hellhole and new business, job growth and economic opportunities will continue to pass us by.”

LCCS continues to work to ensure a fair legal climate for Louisiana.

Louisiana Legislative Session

The third special session of the Louisiana Legislature adjourned sine die on June 24, 2018.